Autosplice Introduces New Antenna Contact Technology

Autosplice has introduced a new series of compact surface mount contacts for antenna applications in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The new single-piece contact designs are ideally suited for Near Field Communications (NFC) Antenna requirements as well as other grounding applications within wireless communications designs and are superior to existing two-piece molded products.

Typical existing antenna clips use multi-piece configurations that are manufactured through the assembly of the antenna contact terminal to an injection molded base, with separate fixing pins to support the SMD interface. This approach increases complexity and quality risk, as well as increasing manufacturing costs.

In contrast, the new Autosplice crush-proof antenna clips integrate both the antenna contact and the base into a unified single-piece stamping that improves reliability and reduces cost. Since the entire contact is formed from stamped copper alloy, contact resistance and mechanical stability during vibration are superior to multi-piece designs. In addition, the footprint of the one-piece contacts can be significantly smaller, requiring less PCB space and allowing for overall better fit, form and function.

Autosplice antenna clip products are manufactured from stamped copper alloy material and are available in standard 13” tape and reel for ease of pick and place assembly. The clips are also available in a variety of heights to accommodate specific antenna and product design requirements while minimizing PCB real estate usage.

NFC is a form of contactless communication between devices like smartphones or tablets, which enables a user to wave the smartphone over an NFC compatible device to send information without needing to touch the devices together or go through multiple steps setting up a connection. Fast and convenient, NFC technology is popular in many parts of Europe and Asia, and is quickly spreading throughout the United States. By integrating credit cards, subway tickets, and paper coupons all into one device, NFC enables a user to board a train, pay for groceries, redeem coupons or loyalty points, and exchange contact information all with the wave of a smartphone.

One of the major challenges for integrating NFC into a product is making sure that the antenna will meet the requirements of NFC standards, such as ISO 14443B and NFC-Forum Type 4 tag compliance. Successful integration depends on precision control of the size, shape, material and positioning of the antenna, along with the need for robust resistance to vibration and shock under a wide range of operating conditions. NFC antenna designers need access to contacts such as the new single-piece Autosplice design that can provide maximum configuration flexibility and reliability while also minimizing cost and size.

The new single-piece antenna clip designs from Autosplice are already being used in leading mobile devices that account for over 300 million contacts per month and are currently being designed into many more NFC-enabled devices because of the inherent cost advantages and manufacturing efficiencies.

All standard products are also available through Autosplice’s ongoing relationships with leading distributors, including Heilind and Kensington.